NCHCA Show requirements

Entries must be post marked on or before the deadline date. Cancellations will not be eligible for refund.

Entry fee is $35 per animal with initial straw bedding included. Entry fees for cows with calves at side are also $35 for the pair. If calf is shown in another class by itself, an additional fee of $35 is required. The entry fee is per animal whether entered in one or more classes, including the junior show. Payment and a copy of registration papers must accompany the entry forms.

All animals must be in place by 6 pm on Friday night and exhibitors should have appropriate livestock health papers, and cattle ready for inspection by the show veterinarian.

Exhibitors must be members in good standing of the American Highland Cattle Association or Canadian Highland Cattle Society.

All Open show breeding animals must be owned by the exhibitor and registered with the American Highland Cattle Association or Canadian Highland Cattle Society prior to participation in the show.

Any animals registered in the Junior show must first be entered as an Open show entry.

Registration papers must be presented to show officials or AHCA representatives upon request.

Artificially altering the natural confirmation or structure of an animal is prohibited.

Rule violations will be handled by AHCA, and they reserve the right to refuse any entry application. Each exhibitor also agrees to submit any entries to any inspection deemed necessary.

Exhibitors agree to abide by the IAFE (International Association of Fairs and Expositions) National Code of Show Ring Ethics.

A calf in the cow/calf class must be the cow’s natural calf, still nursing and a maximum of 250 days old.

All bulls born prior to the current calendar year of the show season must have a ring or nose lead. Any bull the age of three (3) years the day of the show will not be eligible.

All cattle must be double tied in stalls at night with neck ties or straps in addition to halters.

The exhibitor is responsible for the health of their animals. Please do not bring sick animals to the show. If animals become sick during transport or at the show please request a quarantine area. The Show Committee has the right to call for the services of a veterinarian to treat and animal that is sick or injured if the exhibitor is not available. The fee must be paid by the exhibitor prior to release of the animal.

Any animal deemed uncontrollable by the Ring Steward will be excused from the show ring.

The Show Committee reserves the right to remove or release any exhibitor not conducting his or herself in a courteous manner as a member representing the American Highland Cattle Association.

Premier Breeder and Premier Exhibitor awards will be given to the breeder or exhibitor who has the highest number of point based on a maximum of the five highest placing animals in the single classes owned by the breeder or exhibitor. Points shall be awarded as follows: 1st -5 pts., 2nd – 4 pts., 3rd – 3 pts., 4th – 2 pts., 5th – 1 pt. No points will be awarded for Division or Grand Champions. Only registered pure and crossbred steers and registered sovereign heifers, will count toward the Premier Breeder and Exhibitor awards at ROE shows.

Beginning with the 2016 show season, registered and unregistered steers (both pure and crossbred) and registered sovereign heifers will be included for the number of animals in a point show.

The Show Committee will use reasonable diligence to insure the safety of the exhibitors after their arrival and placement, but in no case will they be responsible for any loss or damage done to, occasioned by, or arising from any animals or articles on exhibition. The exhibitors shall indemnify the Show Committee, AHCA, NCHCA, Mower County Fair board and Fairgrounds, and the Mower County Agriculture Society of all legal or other proceedings in regard thereto. The placing of any exhibits on the show grounds by any and all signifies there agreement to abide by this rule.

It is neither the desire nor the business of AHCA to act as a show ring policeman. It is however, within the scope of AHCA’s responsibilities to maintain the purity of the breed and by extension, act to ensure the preservation of those characteristics deemed unique to Highland Cattle. This includes presenting breeding cattle to the public that do exhibit those unique characteristics. It is also within the scope of AHCA’s responsibilities to mediate and insure ongoing contentment within its constituency. Highland cattle possess unique characteristics not found in other breeds of cattle. Some of these are physical characteristics that permit the instant recognition of the breed. Attempting to alter the physical appearance of Highland breeding show stock by the excessive removal of hair is not an acceptable procedure at any ROE recognized Highland show. Clipping, shaping, and increasing hair volume are all common and accepted cosmetic procedures permitted to purebred breeding stock. However, excessive clipping or blocking will not be tolerated in the show ring except for market animals. AHCA understands that “excessive clipping and blocking” are subjective terms open to individual interpretation. None-the-less, AHCA expects that all participants in ROE Highland shows will exercise restraint in the removal of hair for the purpose of showing Highland breeding stock.

With the continued growth of the North Central Show, please be considerate in keeping the show moving by having animals ready. Also be considerate of limited tie area in the "on deck" area of the show arena.